Solids Replenishment, Or Selective Discard Patents (Class 208/152)
  • Patent number: 5316662
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an FCC process uses means for dissipating turbulent flow at the outlet of a disengaging vessel to provide a quick separation of catalyst from product vapors and to prevent reentrainment of catalyst into the disengaging vessel. The process and apparatus use a riser for the conversion of an FCC feedstock and direct the effluent from the riser directly into a disengaging vessel to separate catalyst from the product vapors. Catalyst is directed downwardly out of the outlet of the disengaging vessel and through a series of dissipator plates that dissipate turbulent flow by eliminating the tangential velocity that would be other-wise introduced by the vortex and would lead to reentrainment of catalyst. A stripping vessel is located immediately below the disengaging vessel outlet to receive catalyst as it leaves the dissipator plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 31, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 5314611
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an FCC process uses dissipator plates at the outlet of a disengaging vessel to provide a quick separation of catalyst from product vapors and to prevent reentrainment of catalyst into the disengaging vessel. The process and apparatus use a riser for the conversion of an FCC feedstock and direct the effluent from the riser directly into a disengaging vessel to separate catalyst from the product vapors. Catalyst is directed downwardly out of the outlet of the disengaging vessel and through a series of dissipator plates that eliminate the tangential velocity that would be otherwise introduced by the vortex and would lead to reentrainment of catalyst. A stripping vessel is located immediately below the disengaging vessel outlet to receive catalyst as it leaves the dissipator plates. The apparatus and process are specifically suited for operation without a reactor vessel for containment of the disengaging vessel and cyclones.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 27, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 24, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 5308473
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for fluidized bed regeneration of FCC catalyst are disclosed. Oxides of nitrogen (NO.sub.x) emissions from an FCC regenerator operating in complete CO combustion mode, and hydrothermal catalyst deactivation, are reduced by reducing the average bed temperature. Dilute phase afterburning superheats catalyst entrained in the dilute phase region above the fluidized bed. Cyclone separators recover superheated, entrained catalyst and preferentially recycle this catalyst to the FCC reactor, permitting cooler operation of the dense phase fluidized bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: May 3, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Catherine L. Markham, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 5296131
    Abstract: A process for short contact time cracking of heavy feed. A falling, annular curtain of hot regenerated FCC catalyst, or hot inert solids, is formed over a cone shaped plug valve. Hydrocarbons pass from under the cone, or via a hollow stem, in radial in to out flow to contact the falling curtain of solids. After 0.01 to 1.0 seconds of contact time, solids and cracked vapor are separated, preferably in a bell separator beneath the reaction zone. Downflow of reactants into a contiguous upflowing stripper minimizes attrition.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 2, 1992
    Date of Patent: March 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Michael F. Raterman
  • Patent number: 5290430
    Abstract: This FCC process suspends a catalyst and a riser proximate or above the riser cyclone inlets at a density that is higher than the flowing density in the riser. The suspended catalyst provides a disengagement zone that enhances the separation of catalyst from product vapors. The riser operates in a manner that prevents any discharge of catalyst from its end. The arrangement also provides a convenient method for venting stripping vapors into a closed reactor cyclone system.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 13, 1991
    Date of Patent: March 1, 1994
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 5288397
    Abstract: A process and apparatus for dense phase, at least partially co-current, fluidized bed regeneration of FCC catalyst are disclosed. Catalyst regeneration occurs in a dense phase fluidized bed, with catalyst flowing laterally from a spent catalyst inlet to a regenerated catalyst outlet. Regeneration air flows up through the dense bed into a dilute phase region defined at the base by the dense phase bed and at the top by a horizontal baffle. The plate has openings or baffles forcing the dilute phase, consisting of entrained catalyst and flue gas, to flow horizontally in the same direction as the lateral flow of catalyst in the dense bed. Concurrent flow of at least the dilute phase material and the dense bed material improves regeneration and can reduce NOx emissions.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 18, 1992
    Date of Patent: February 22, 1994
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Catherine L. Markham, Gregory P. Muldowney
  • Patent number: 5268090
    Abstract: This invention provides a method of reducing the sulfur oxide emissions from the regenerator of an FCC process that cracks a sulfur containing feedstream. The sulfur oxide emissions are reduced by using an essentially sulfur free lift gas stream to shift the sulfur concentration equilibrium between the product stream from the reaction zone and the flue gas stream from the regeneration zone. Sulfur compounds present in the FCC feed leave the reaction zone as volatile sulfurous gases in the product vapor stream or as adsorbed sulfur compounds on the catalyst. Sulfurous gas in the product vapors is mainly H.sub.2 S. By lowering the concentration of H.sub.2 S that enters the riser with the lift gas the equilibrium reaction of sulfur with hydrogen in the riser is favorably shifted to increase the production of H.sub.2 S and decrease the lay down of sulfur compounds in the coke that forms on the catalyst.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 16, 1992
    Date of Patent: December 7, 1993
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventors: David A. Lomas, Harold U. Hammershaimb, Robert M. Smith
  • Patent number: 5246568
    Abstract: A process for making a lubricant oil of low pour point and improved oxidation stability by catalytically hydro-dewaxing a lube chargestock containing paraffin wax in a vertical column reactor having a cascade series of fixed downflow catalyst beds over dewaxing catalyst comprising acid medium pore size zeolite. The treatment is carried out by selectively hydrodewaxing paraffinic wax contained in the liquid petroleum in a first serial catalyst bed under adiabatic cracking temperature conditions while controlling adiabatic exothermal heat of reaction within a 30.degree. C. maximum excursion from the initial reaction temperature, thereby producing lighter olefinic components, recovering partially hydrodewaxed liquid petroleum from a bottom portion of the first serial catalyst bed, and redistributing said partially hydrodewaxed liquid petroleum for contact with said catalyst in at least one downstream fixed catalyst bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 5, 1991
    Date of Patent: September 21, 1993
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Thomas R. Forbus, Chwan P. Kyan
  • Patent number: 5230869
    Abstract: By continuously or intermittently adding amounts of magnetically active moieties, e.g. iron compounds, over time so that the moiety deposits on a catalyst or sorbent in a fluid catalytic cracker or similar circulating hydrocarbon conversion unit, older catalyst, being more magnetic, can be readily separated from catalyst which has been in the system a shorter time. Separation is readily accomplished by passing the catalyst and/or sorbent through a magnetic field and discarding the more magnetic 50% by wt. or more preferably 20% by wt., while recycling the remainder back to the hydrocarbon conversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 4, 1991
    Date of Patent: July 27, 1993
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventors: William P. Hettinger, Roger M. Benslay
  • Patent number: 5215653
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling catalyst inventory in the reactor of an ebullated bed process has been discovered. Pressure differentials are measured to calculate a catalyst inventory characterization factor. This factor is calculated by means of a new algorithm. Aged catalyst is withdrawn and fresh catalyst added in an amount to reestablish the value of the factor. The catalyst to oil ratio is maintained despite changes in bed ebullation, gas and liquid holdups, oil residence time and conversion.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 25, 1992
    Date of Patent: June 1, 1993
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Gerald V. Nelson, Govanon Nongbri
  • Patent number: 5198098
    Abstract: An improved catalytic process for heavy hydrocarbon conversion, (usually, but not necessarily, in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feedstock.) to produce lighter molecular weight fractions. Manganese, which has paramagnetic properties, is added so it progressively accumulates on aged catalyst, and enhances magnetic separation of aged catalyst, to increase activity and improve selectivity of remaining catalyst which is recycled. Manganese acts as a "magnetic hook" to separate more magnetic, older, less catalytically active and less selective, higher-metals-containing catalyst particulates from less-magnetically-active, lower-metal-containing, more catalytically active and selective catalysts fractions, which are then recycled back to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 19, 1990
    Date of Patent: March 30, 1993
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5171424
    Abstract: This invention relates to an improved catalytic process for carrying out heavy hydrocarbon conversion, usually, but not necessarily, in the presence of nickel and vanadium on the catalyst and in the feedstock, by catalytic cracking gas oils and heavy carbometallic oils to lighter molecular weight fractions. The process is facilitated by the continuous addition of one or more heavy rare earth additives, including gadolinum, terbium, dysprosium, holmium, erbium, and thulium, all having exceptionally high paramagnetic properties, which as they accumulate on aged catalyst, are used to achieve enhanced magnetic separation of aged catalyst. These additives are unusual in that they not only act dramatically as magnetic hooks to assist in removing old, nickel and vanadium poisoned catalyst, but also act to achieve increased activity and improve selectivity of the remaining catalyst, and of equal importance, tend to resist catalyst deactivation.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 22, 1990
    Date of Patent: December 15, 1992
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5158669
    Abstract: A method and apparatus for an FCC process uses dissipator plates at the outlet of a disengaging vessel to provide a quick separation of catalyst from produce vapors and to prevent reentrainment of catalyst into the disengaging vessel. The process and apparatus use a riser for the conversion of an FCC feedstock and direct the effluent from the riser directly into a disengaging vessel to separate catalyst from the product vapors. Catalyst is directed downwardly out of the outlet of the disengaging vessel and through a series of dissipator plates that eliminate the tangential velocity that would be otherwise introduced by the vortex and would lead to reentrainment of catalyst. A stripping vessel is located immediately below the disengaging vessel outlet to receive catalyst as it leaves the dissipator plates.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 15, 1990
    Date of Patent: October 27, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: Ismail B. Cetinkaya
  • Patent number: 5147527
    Abstract: One embodiment is an improved process for economically converting carbo-metallic oils by means of catalytic particulates into lighter products, wherein a portion of the particulates is withdrawn and passed through a high strength magnetic field of at least 1 KG and field grandients of at least 10 KG/inch while conveyed on an electrostatic conducting belt to enable separation of the mass of particulates by inertia into at least two fractions; one of which has, in the case of catalyst, higher activity and lower metals content and is recycled back to the unit; a second higher metals, lower activity catalyst which is disposed of or treated for recovery of metals; and optimally, intermediate fraction which can be disposed of, or first treated to remove metals, and then chemically reactivated and returned to the unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 3, 1989
    Date of Patent: September 15, 1992
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5106486
    Abstract: By continuously or intermittently adding amounts of magnetically active moieties, e.g. iron compounds, over time so that the moiety deposits on a catalyst or sorbent in a fluid catalytic cracker or similar circulating hydrocarbon conversion unit, older catalyst, being more magnetic, can be readily separated from catalyst which has been in the system a shorter time. Separation is readily accomplished by passing the catalyst and/or sorbent through a magnetic field and discarding the more magnetic 50% by wt. or more preferably 20% by wt., while recycling the remainder back to the hydrocarbon conversion unit.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 9, 1990
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1992
    Assignee: Ashland Oil, Inc.
    Inventor: William P. Hettinger
  • Patent number: 5104519
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in either a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be withdrawn from the temporary retaining area, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The withdrawing of catalyst "fines" reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenerator and in the main column bottom (MCB) products from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments includes withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 12, 1989
    Date of Patent: April 14, 1992
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 5089115
    Abstract: Method for effecting contact of a gas with light particles of solid matter, where the particles are retained within particle retention screens to form a bed of particles and the particles move downward in plug flow by means of gravity. When the particles are light, that is, of relatively small size and low density, the velocity of the gas may be sufficiently high that downward movement of particles is hindered by the horizontal forces exerted on the particles by the flowing gas. This invention provides that gas flows through the bed of particles in a downwardly sloping direction instead of in a horizontal direction, so that the force exerted on a particle has a horizontal component and a downward vertical component. The vertical component of the force resulting from gas flow, along with the gravity force on a particle, is sufficient to overcome the frictional resistance to downward movement of a particle which results from the horizontal component of the flowing gas force.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 20, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 18, 1992
    Assignee: UOP
    Inventor: William J. Koves
  • Patent number: 5076908
    Abstract: This invention makes possible substantially continuous flow of uniformly distributed hydrogen and hydrocarbon liquid across a densely packed catalyst bed to fill substantially the entire volume of a reactor vessel by introducing the fluids as alternate annular rings of gas and liquid at a rate insufficient to levitate the bed and with catalyst selected by a density, shape and size at a design feed rate of liquids and gas to prevent ebulation of the packed bed at the design feed rates. Catalysts are selected by measuring bed expansion in a large pilot plant run with hydrocarbon, hydrogen, and catalyst at the design pressures and flow velocities. The liquid and gas components of the feed flow into the bed in alternate annular rings across the full area of the bed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 19, 1989
    Date of Patent: December 31, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research & Technology Company
    Inventors: Bruce E. Stangeland, David C. Kramer, David S. Smith, James T. McCall, Georgieanna L. Scheuerman, Robert W. Bachtel
  • Patent number: 5028314
    Abstract: Heavy oils containing metal contaminants are hydrodesulfurized in a reactor containing a series of fixed beds of catalyst. The catalyst particles become caked together during the hydrodesulfurization process, possibly due to formation of metal sulfides and carbonaceous deposits, and the caked catalyst is removed by a hydro drilling method. The hydro drilling is preferably commenced by drilling a central opening through the catalyst beds. The catalyst particles and chunks are cut from the bed and removed from the reactor vessel through catalyst dump openings at the bottom of the vessel. Preferably, the dump openings are maintained open by hydro lancing as the cutting of catalysts in the upper part of the vessel loosens the catalyst so that the catalyst will drop down the central opening and thus out through the catalyst dump openings at the bottom of the reactor vessel.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 20, 1987
    Date of Patent: July 2, 1991
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventors: Mark F. Goldberger, Peter L. Yarnot
  • Patent number: 5021147
    Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: June 4, 1991
    Assignee: Abb Lummus Crest, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Van Driesen, William R. Adams, Mario Baldasarri, John Caspers, Harold Trimble
  • Patent number: 4994173
    Abstract: Modified ZSM-5 type zeolite catalyst is prepared by controlled aging in a moving bed catalytic cracking unit. The modified catalyst exhibits significant olefin isomerization activity and reduced paraffin cracking activity. Hydrocarbons are cracked to products boiling in the motor fuel range, e.g., gasoline, by using the modified catalyst mixture comprising a ZSM-5 type zeolite and a conventional cracking catalyst. The ZSM-5 type zeolite is treated with partial pressure steam under conditions which increase the gasoline octane number of the product fuel without decreasing gasoline plus distillate yield. A process for changing a catalytic cracking unit's inventory from a conventional catalyst to a modified ZSM-5 type containing catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 25, 1990
    Date of Patent: February 19, 1991
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Chou Tai-Sheng, Frederick J. Krambeck, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4978441
    Abstract: A device for delivering solid particulates is disclosed. The particulate delivery system can be used to deliver a small quantity of solids to a laboratory and/or pilot plant scale fluid-catalytic cracking (FCC) device which may be operated on a semi-continuous or continuous program.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 18, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: John S. Buchanan, Hans J. Schoennagel
  • Patent number: 4975036
    Abstract: Process and apparatus for the catalytic treatment of hydrocarbon oils comprising the use of by-pass means allowing the transport of oil inside the reactor from above the uppermost catalyst bed to outlet means without contacting catalytic material during transport.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 2, 1988
    Date of Patent: December 4, 1990
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Aravamuthan Jagannathan
  • Patent number: 4968401
    Abstract: A paraffinic feedstream is aromatized in an FCC external catalyst cooler by contacting the paraffinic feedstream with hot regenerated cracking and additive catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 27, 1988
    Date of Patent: November 6, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: Mohsen N. Harandi, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4927523
    Abstract: Shape selective zeolites, such as ZSM-5, are added to the equilibrium catalyst in a catalytic cracking unit in large amounts. Sufficient fresh zeolite is added to result in an unacceptable increase in production of wet gas (C.sub.3 /C.sub.4) by the catalytic cracking unit, if operated at normal charge rates and operating conditions. To compensate, conditions in the catalytic cracking unit are adjusted, such as by reducing feed rate, catalyst/oil ratio, or cracking reaction temperature, to reduce the production of "light ends" to an amount which can be tolerated by the catalytic cracking unit. Within a few days to a few weeks, excessive production of wet gas will diminish so that unit operation may be returned to normal. Resumption of normal cracking operations using a catalyst inventory containing a relatively large amount of shape selective zeolite additive results in significant increases in the octane number of the catalytically cracked gasoline.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 12, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Susan P. Donnelly
  • Patent number: 4927526
    Abstract: Modified ZSM-5 type zeolite catalyst is prepared by controlled aging in a moving bed catalytic cracking unit. The modified catalyst exhibits significant olefin isomerization activity and reduced paraffin cracking activity. Hydrocarbons are cracked to products boiling in the motor fuel range, e.g., gasoline, by using the modified catalyst mixture comprising a ZSM-5 type zeolite and a conventional cracking catalyst. The ZSM-5 type zeolite is treated with partial pressure steam under conditions which increase the gasoline octane number of the product fuel without decreasing gasoline plus distillate yield. A process for changing a catalytic cracking unit's inventory from a conventional catalyst to a modified ZSM-5 type containing catalyst is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 28, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 22, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Conroy D. Anderson, Tai-Sheng Chou, William E. Cormier, Jr., Francis G. Dwyer, Frederick J. Krambeck, Gary M. Pasquale, Paul H. Schipper, William A. Stover
  • Patent number: 4923591
    Abstract: Process for the continuous catalytic dewaxing of lube containing feeds wherein the feed effectively moves countercurrently to the catalyst. The process is based on the discovery that in a two-stage catalytic dewaxing process the stage-two or back-end dewaxing catalyst shows a concave upward aging when it is used to produce a targeted pour point lube, but the back-end dewaxing catalyst can be used as a stage one or front-end dewaxing catalyst to produce an intermediate pour point product.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 4, 1988
    Date of Patent: May 8, 1990
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Kenneth R. Graziani, James R. Katzer, Chwan P. Kyan
  • Patent number: 4911824
    Abstract: The amount of finely divided particulate solids added to a stream of fluid to form a mixture of the particulate solids and the fluid is determined by a method comprising (a) determining the temperature and quantity of fluid in a stream of fluid; (b) determining the temperature of the particulate solids; (c) determining the temperature of the mixture; and (d) calculating the amount of the particulate solids in the mixture. The method can also be used to control the amount of finely divided particulate solids added to the stream of a fluid. The fluid is at a different temperature than the finely divided solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 7, 1989
    Date of Patent: March 27, 1990
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: John J. Wakefield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4902407
    Abstract: An improved method of controlling catalyst inventory in the reactor of an ebullated bed process has been discovered. Pressure differentials are measured to calculate a catalyst inventory characterization factor. Aged catalyst is withdrawn and fresh catalyst added in an amount to reestablish the value of the factor.The catalyst to oil ratio is maintained despite changes in bed ebullation, gas and liquid holdups and oil residence time changes.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 9, 1988
    Date of Patent: February 20, 1990
    Assignee: Texaco Inc.
    Inventors: Ting Y. Chan, John C. Strickland
  • Patent number: 4875995
    Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 8, 1988
    Date of Patent: October 24, 1989
    Assignee: Lummus Crest, Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Van Driesen, William R. Adams, Mario Baldasarri, John Caspers, Harold Trimble
  • Patent number: 4871446
    Abstract: A catalytic cracking process is disclosed which comprises catalytically cracking a hydrocarbon charge stock in a catalytic cracking unit possessing at least one reaction zone, stripping zone and catalyst regeneration zone to provide a gasiform product employing as catalyst a mixed catalyst system which comprises, as a first catalyst component, particles of a cracking catalyst which requires relatively frequent regeneration and is relatively hydrothermally stable, and as a second catalyst component, particles of a catalyst which requires less frequent regeneration than the first catalyst component, physical characteristic(s) of particles of first catalyst component differing sufficiently from physical characteristic(s) of particles of second catalyst component as to permit their separation in the stripping zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: September 2, 1987
    Date of Patent: October 3, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventors: Joseph A. Herbst, Hartley Owen, Paul H. Schipper
  • Patent number: 4853107
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in either a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be withdrawn from the temporary retaining area, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The withdrawing of catalyst "fines" reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenerator and in the main column bottom (MCB) products from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 1, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen
  • Patent number: 4840726
    Abstract: The amount of finely divided particulate solids added to a stream of fluid to form a mixture of the particulate solids and the fluid is determined by a method comprising (a) determining the temperature and quantity of fluid in a stream of fluid; (b) determining the temperature of the particulate solids; (c) determining the temperature of the mixture; and (d) calculating the amount of the particulate solids in the mixture. The method can also be used to control the amount of finely divided particulate solids added to the stream of a fluid. The fluid is at a different temperature than the finely divided solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 15, 1988
    Date of Patent: June 20, 1989
    Assignee: Atlantic Richfield Company
    Inventor: John J. Wakefield, Jr.
  • Patent number: 4814067
    Abstract: A process for cracking hydrocarbon with hot particulate solids wherein a curtain of hot particulate solids is delivered to a thermal reactor through peripheral openings and hydrocarbon feed is delivered to the reactor through the curtain of hot particulate solids at an angle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: August 11, 1987
    Date of Patent: March 21, 1989
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Richard C. Norton
  • Patent number: 4810360
    Abstract: Disclosed is a method of and apparatus for reducing the level of extremely small catalyst particles ("fines") in an FCC system by temporarily retaining particles separated from the secondary cyclone separator in a reactor vessel or catalyst regenerator. These particles can be intermittently withdrawn from the temporary retaining area in order to achieve particle flow at a low volume rate, which takes them out of the active catalyst inventory within the reactor/regenerator system. The intermittent withdrawing of catalyst "fines"]reduces the particulate contamination both in flue gas exhausted to the atmosphere from the catalyst regenreator and in the main column bottom (MCB) produces from the fractionation stage. Preferred embodiments include intermittent withdrawal of "fines" from either the regenerator or the reactor vessels and the secondary cyclones contained in each of these vessels.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 2, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 7, 1989
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corp.
    Inventors: James H. Haddad, Hartley Owen, Klaus W. Schatz
  • Patent number: 4808297
    Abstract: By use of a slurry mixture described herein, catalyst particles or other similar particles can be transferred over considerable temperature differential without breaking or crumbling.By selecting a carrier fluid with a combination of high critical temperature and low critical pressure relative to the conditions under which the particles will function, a slurry mixture is provided which protects the contained particles against breakage.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 30, 1987
    Date of Patent: February 28, 1989
    Assignee: Chevron Research Company
    Inventor: Hong C. Chen
  • Patent number: 4744887
    Abstract: A system for adding and withdrawing solids to a high pressure reactor wherein there is provided improved control of flow and concentrations of a slurry of solids in a transport oil for introducing and withdrawing solids from the reactor. In addition, there is provided for improved heating and cooling of the solids.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 20, 1985
    Date of Patent: May 17, 1988
    Assignee: Lummus Crest Inc.
    Inventors: Roger P. Van Driesen, William R. Adams, Mario Baldasarri, John Caspers, Harold Trimble
  • Patent number: 4738770
    Abstract: A process and apparatus of preventing the plugging of the discharge and/or suction line of an internal recycle pump utilized in an expanded bed reactor of the type having a partition transversely extending through the lower portion thereof and defining a plurality of substantially regularly and uniformly disposed perforations and communicating with a reaction zone above the partition and plenum chamber therebelow. The reaction zone contains a mass of particulate catalyst contact matter supported by the partition and placed in randon motion above the partition by a pressurized mixture of a liquid carbon containing material and a hydrogen rich gas flow passing through the perforations from the plenum chamber and by the internal recycle pump having a pump suction line generally concentrically disposed with respect to the reactor and extending through the partition into the reaction zone.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 25, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 19, 1988
    Assignee: Cities Service Oil and Gas Corp.
    Inventors: Kenneth E. Hastings, Harold J. Trimble
  • Patent number: 4729825
    Abstract: A method of feeding a mixture of fluidized solids, such as cracking catalyst, and a fluidized feed material to be contacted therewith, such as a hydrocarbon feedstock to be cracked, into a contacting zone. In another aspect, method and apparatus useful in starting up a catalytic cracking unit are disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: May 30, 1986
    Date of Patent: March 8, 1988
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Nielsen
  • Patent number: 4659455
    Abstract: The invention concerns a process for withdrawing catalyst, particularly from a moving bed.The device is characterized in that fins (4) (see FIG. 1A), shaped as corner-plates, are arranged, on a plate (6) which supports the catalyst bed radially around each vertical duct for catalyst withdrawal, so that the flow of catalyst particles converges towards the withdrawing ducts.The apparatus is useful for example in hydroconversion reactions, particularly in hydrotreatments of heavy oil cuts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 7, 1985
    Date of Patent: April 21, 1987
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Didier Dall, Jean-Paul Euzen, Remy Patoux, Pierre Renard
  • Patent number: 4642223
    Abstract: A basket is removably inserted in the upper end of each drain tube in those interbed assemblies of a catalytic tower whose catalyst beds are to be removed upwardly by vacuuming. The basket has a grid for a bottom wall, so that catalyst particles thereabove are retained but fluid being treated in the tower can easily pass therethrough. The provision of the baskets makes it possible to downwardly drain spent catalyst from the lower bed sections while simultaneously vacuuming it upwardly from the upper bed sections.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 2, 1985
    Date of Patent: February 10, 1987
    Assignees: Alberta Energy Company Ltd., Canadian Ocidental Petroleum Ltd., Esso Resources Canada Limited, Gulf Canada Limited, Her Majesty the Queen in right of the Province of Alberta Canada, as represented by the Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, HBOG-Oil Sands Limited Partnership, PanCanadian Petroleum Limited, Petro-Canada Inc.
    Inventor: Abbas Al-Saigh
  • Patent number: 4536282
    Abstract: This invention provides a process for upgrading a variety of hydrocarbon oils including low-grade crudes and fractions thereof. In this process, a hydrocarbon oil having an ASTM 50% temperature not higher than 550.degree. F. is converted at low temperature and pressure to more volatile products by a dispersion of crystalline zeolite catalysts having a silica: alumina ratio of at least 12 and a C.I. within 1-12. Initially, 0.02-10 wt % of the catalyst is dispersed in the feed until the catalyst inventory in the reactor stage accumulates. Thereafter, catalyst is added and removed to maintain a total catalyst content not greater than about 35 wt % of the feed in the reactor.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 4, 1984
    Date of Patent: August 20, 1985
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Louis D. Rollmann
  • Patent number: 4502946
    Abstract: Process for the complete replacement under operating conditions of particles in a vessel provided with a feed inlet and, if desired, a separate particle inlet, a particle outlet and an effluent outlet, wherein part of the feed passing through the vessel during withdrawal of particles is by-passing the vessel when the particles still present in the vessel do not occupy more than 20% v of the volume initially occupied by particles and the feed is passed through the vessel before or during the addition of fresh particles.The process is particularly suitable for the complete replacement under operating conditions of spent hydrodemetallization catalysts.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 28, 1984
    Date of Patent: March 5, 1985
    Assignee: Shell Oil Company
    Inventor: Gerrit J. Pronk
  • Patent number: 4482450
    Abstract: A process for catalytic reaction of heavy oils and a particulate solid medium, which comprises withdrawing a part or the whole of the used medium from the reactor, separating the withdrawn particles into the particles which have been rendered magnetic by the deposition thereon of nickel, vanadium, iron and copper originally contained in the heavy oils, and non-magnetic particles, using a high gradient magnetic separator which is so designed that a ferromagnetic matrix is placed in a uniform high magnetic field, and returning the non-magnetic particles of the medium into the reactor for re-use.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 3, 1983
    Date of Patent: November 13, 1984
    Assignee: Nippon Oil Company, Ltd.
    Inventors: Masaru Ushio, Toru Morita, Takeshi Ishii, Yasuyuki Oishi
  • Patent number: 4444653
    Abstract: Catalysts solid particles are supplied to a vertical reactor for the catalytic treatment of fluid charges, at the upper part of said reactor and are progressively withdrawn from the lower part thereof either continuously or periodically through a funnel having the shape of an inverted cone or an inverted pyramid. At least a portion of the charge is introduced at the lower part of the reactor through orifices above the walls of the funnel at a distance thereof from 1 to 500 times the average size of a catalyst particle.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 2, 1983
    Date of Patent: April 24, 1984
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Euzen, Yves Jacquin
  • Patent number: 4406777
    Abstract: A catalytic conversion process wherein a slowly deactivating catalyst contained in a multiplicity of fixed bed is operated in a serial fashion whereby the operating temperature of each catalyst bed is higher than the preceeding bed and the last catalyst bed in the series is removed from operation when a predetermined operating temperature is reached, the catalyst in the removed bed is reactivated or replaced and the reactivated or fresh bed is returned to service as the first bed in the series of fixed catalyst beds.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: January 19, 1982
    Date of Patent: September 27, 1983
    Assignee: Mobil Oil Corporation
    Inventor: Melcon G. Melconian
  • Patent number: 4398852
    Abstract: A method for adding and removing fine particles from a pressurized reactor is provided, which comprises connecting the reactor to a container, sealing the container from the reactor, filling the container with particles and a liquid material compatible with the reactants, pressurizing the container to substantially the reactor pressure, removing the seal between the reactor and the container, permitting particles to fall into or out of the reactor, and resealing the container from the reactor. An apparatus for adding and removing particles is also disclosed.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: February 17, 1981
    Date of Patent: August 16, 1983
    Assignee: HRI, Inc.
    Inventor: John D. Milligan
  • Patent number: 4392943
    Abstract: In a process for the catalytic treatment of hydrocarbon charges in the presence of hydrogen in a vertical reactor where the catalyst is introduced at the top and withdrawn at the bottom, countercurrently with the charge which is introduced at the bottom and discharged from the top. There is provided a flared funnel for the catalyst discharge having small perforations for the upward flow of the charge with the perforations of a size sufficiently small to prevent passage of the catalyst therethrough. These perforations are in association with injection tubes having orifices opening in the vicinity of the funnel wall, wherethrough at least a portion of the fluid charge is injected.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 29, 1982
    Date of Patent: July 12, 1983
    Assignee: Institut Francais du Petrole
    Inventors: Jean-Paul Euzen, Yves Jacquin, Hugo Van Landeghem, deceased
  • Patent number: 4390502
    Abstract: The present invention is an apparatus continuously feeding particulate solids to a TRC reaction chamber or zone at a controlled rate of flow, and for admixing the solids with fluid simultaneously introduced to the reaction zone. This invention utilized one or more conduits, preferably tubular, to transfer the solids from a solids reservoir chamber to the reaction chamber at a controlled rate of flow, the conduits being in open communication with both the reservoir chamber and with the reaction chamber. The conduits are in the nature of orifices, and are symmetrically located across the reactor cross section, said orifices or conduits also being specially oriented with respect to the fluid reactant inlet to promote rapid and intimate mixing of the two phases.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 6, 1981
    Date of Patent: June 28, 1983
    Assignee: Stone & Webster Engineering Corporation
    Inventors: Robert J. Gartside, Herman N. Woebcke
  • Patent number: 4348273
    Abstract: In a hydrocarbon conversion operation employing a fluidized cracking catalyst wherein the cracking catalyst has been passivated to render contaminating metals thereon substantially inactive thus to avoid undesired reactions and wherein the used catalyst is regenerated and the regeneration step yields catalyst fines and a flue gas and the flue gas and fines are separated in at least two stages a first stage yielding coarse fines and a later stage yielding finer fines the step of treating finer fines to render metals thereon non-leachable or having substantially reduced leachability to render the finer fines usable as land fill which comprises treating the finer fines with a tin and/or indium and/or a compound of tin and/or a compound of indium.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: June 25, 1980
    Date of Patent: September 7, 1982
    Assignee: Phillips Petroleum Company
    Inventor: Richard H. Nielsen